BSC 2086 | BSC2086 Exam 3: Anatomy and
Physiology II Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale - Florida State
University
1. Which hormone is primarily responsible for the stimulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion
and the contraction of the gallbladder?
A. Cholecystokinin (CCK)
B. Gastrin
C. Secretin
D. Insulin
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Cholecystokinin (CCK) is produced by the duodenal mucosa in
response to the arrival of fats and proteins. It stimulates the gallbladder to contract and the
pancreas to release digestive enzymes. Secretin differs because it mainly stimulates the
release of bicarbonate-rich juice. Gastrin primarily acts on the stomach to increase acid
secretion. Understanding these hormonal triggers is essential for comprehending how the
digestive system regulates nutrient breakdown.
2. In the nephron, where does the majority of glucose and amino acid reabsorption occur?
A. Proximal convoluted tubule
B. Distal convoluted tubule
C. Loop of Henle
D. Collecting duct
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The proximal convoluted tubule is the primary site for the
reabsorption of essential nutrients like glucose and amino acids. This process occurs via
secondary active transport linked to the movement of sodium ions. Under normal
physiological conditions, virtually 100 percent of these nutrients are reclaimed here. The
Loop of Henle is more focused on establishing the osmotic gradient for water. The distal
tubule and collecting duct are primarily involved in fine-tuning electrolytes and water
balance.
3. Which of the following endocrine glands produces hormones that regulate the basal
metabolic rate (BMR)?
A. Thyroid gland
,B. Adrenal gland
C. Pancreas
D. Parathyroid gland
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The thyroid gland secretes T3 and T4, which are the main hormones
responsible for setting the body’s basal metabolic rate. These hormones increase oxygen
consumption and heat production in most body tissues. The pancreas focuses on glucose
homeostasis through insulin and glucagon. Adrenal glands produce hormones related to
stress responses and mineral balance. Parathyroid glands specifically target calcium levels
in the blood rather than overall metabolism.
4. What is the primary role of the countercurrent multiplier in the kidney?
A. To increase the rate of glomerular filtration
B. To secrete hydrogen ions into the filtrate
C. To create a concentration gradient in the renal medulla
D. To prevent the reabsorption of urea
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The countercurrent multiplier involves the Loop of Henle and its
specific permeability to water and solutes. By pumping out salt in the ascending limb, it
creates a high osmotic pressure in the interstitial fluid. This gradient is necessary for the
reabsorption of water from the collecting duct later in the nephron. Glomerular filtration
depends more on hydrostatic pressure within the capillaries. Maintaining this medullary
gradient is essential for the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine.
5. Which digestive enzyme is responsible for the chemical digestion of carbohydrates in the
small intestine?
A. Pepsin
B. Pancreatic amylase
C. Lingual lipase
D. Trypsin
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Pancreatic amylase is secreted into the duodenum to continue the
breakdown of complex carbohydrates into disaccharides. Salivary amylase begins this
process in the mouth, but its activity stops in the acidic stomach environment. Pepsin and
trypsin are proteolytic enzymes that target protein structures. Lingual lipase is involved in
, the initial digestion of fats. The small intestine is the definitive site where the majority of
chemical digestion and absorption occurs.
6. A patient has extremely high levels of aldosterone. Which electrolyte imbalance is most
likely to occur?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Aldosterone acts on the distal tubules and collecting ducts to
reabsorb sodium while secreting potassium. Excessively high levels of aldosterone will lead
to excessive loss of potassium in the urine. This process results in hypokalemia, which is a
dangerously low level of blood potassium. Conversely, sodium levels would likely increase,
potentially causing hypernatremia. This hormonal regulation is a key homeostatic
mechanism for maintaining fluid volume and cardiac function.
7. The secretion of which hormone is inhibited by high blood calcium levels?
A. Calcitonin
B. Vitamin D
C. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
D. Cortisol
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released by the parathyroid glands
when blood calcium levels are low. High blood calcium levels trigger a negative feedback
loop that suppresses PTH secretion. Calcitonin, released by the thyroid, acts to lower
calcium and is stimulated by high levels. Vitamin D works with PTH to increase calcium
absorption but is not primarily inhibited by high calcium in the same direct manner. This
balance prevents skeletal calcium loss and maintains nervous system stability.
8. Which structure in the small intestine is responsible for the absorption of dietary lipids into
the lymphatic system?
A. Capillary network
B. Goblet cell
C. Peyer’s patch
D. Lacteal
Physiology II Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale - Florida State
University
1. Which hormone is primarily responsible for the stimulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion
and the contraction of the gallbladder?
A. Cholecystokinin (CCK)
B. Gastrin
C. Secretin
D. Insulin
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Cholecystokinin (CCK) is produced by the duodenal mucosa in
response to the arrival of fats and proteins. It stimulates the gallbladder to contract and the
pancreas to release digestive enzymes. Secretin differs because it mainly stimulates the
release of bicarbonate-rich juice. Gastrin primarily acts on the stomach to increase acid
secretion. Understanding these hormonal triggers is essential for comprehending how the
digestive system regulates nutrient breakdown.
2. In the nephron, where does the majority of glucose and amino acid reabsorption occur?
A. Proximal convoluted tubule
B. Distal convoluted tubule
C. Loop of Henle
D. Collecting duct
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The proximal convoluted tubule is the primary site for the
reabsorption of essential nutrients like glucose and amino acids. This process occurs via
secondary active transport linked to the movement of sodium ions. Under normal
physiological conditions, virtually 100 percent of these nutrients are reclaimed here. The
Loop of Henle is more focused on establishing the osmotic gradient for water. The distal
tubule and collecting duct are primarily involved in fine-tuning electrolytes and water
balance.
3. Which of the following endocrine glands produces hormones that regulate the basal
metabolic rate (BMR)?
A. Thyroid gland
,B. Adrenal gland
C. Pancreas
D. Parathyroid gland
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The thyroid gland secretes T3 and T4, which are the main hormones
responsible for setting the body’s basal metabolic rate. These hormones increase oxygen
consumption and heat production in most body tissues. The pancreas focuses on glucose
homeostasis through insulin and glucagon. Adrenal glands produce hormones related to
stress responses and mineral balance. Parathyroid glands specifically target calcium levels
in the blood rather than overall metabolism.
4. What is the primary role of the countercurrent multiplier in the kidney?
A. To increase the rate of glomerular filtration
B. To secrete hydrogen ions into the filtrate
C. To create a concentration gradient in the renal medulla
D. To prevent the reabsorption of urea
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The countercurrent multiplier involves the Loop of Henle and its
specific permeability to water and solutes. By pumping out salt in the ascending limb, it
creates a high osmotic pressure in the interstitial fluid. This gradient is necessary for the
reabsorption of water from the collecting duct later in the nephron. Glomerular filtration
depends more on hydrostatic pressure within the capillaries. Maintaining this medullary
gradient is essential for the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine.
5. Which digestive enzyme is responsible for the chemical digestion of carbohydrates in the
small intestine?
A. Pepsin
B. Pancreatic amylase
C. Lingual lipase
D. Trypsin
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Pancreatic amylase is secreted into the duodenum to continue the
breakdown of complex carbohydrates into disaccharides. Salivary amylase begins this
process in the mouth, but its activity stops in the acidic stomach environment. Pepsin and
trypsin are proteolytic enzymes that target protein structures. Lingual lipase is involved in
, the initial digestion of fats. The small intestine is the definitive site where the majority of
chemical digestion and absorption occurs.
6. A patient has extremely high levels of aldosterone. Which electrolyte imbalance is most
likely to occur?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Aldosterone acts on the distal tubules and collecting ducts to
reabsorb sodium while secreting potassium. Excessively high levels of aldosterone will lead
to excessive loss of potassium in the urine. This process results in hypokalemia, which is a
dangerously low level of blood potassium. Conversely, sodium levels would likely increase,
potentially causing hypernatremia. This hormonal regulation is a key homeostatic
mechanism for maintaining fluid volume and cardiac function.
7. The secretion of which hormone is inhibited by high blood calcium levels?
A. Calcitonin
B. Vitamin D
C. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
D. Cortisol
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released by the parathyroid glands
when blood calcium levels are low. High blood calcium levels trigger a negative feedback
loop that suppresses PTH secretion. Calcitonin, released by the thyroid, acts to lower
calcium and is stimulated by high levels. Vitamin D works with PTH to increase calcium
absorption but is not primarily inhibited by high calcium in the same direct manner. This
balance prevents skeletal calcium loss and maintains nervous system stability.
8. Which structure in the small intestine is responsible for the absorption of dietary lipids into
the lymphatic system?
A. Capillary network
B. Goblet cell
C. Peyer’s patch
D. Lacteal
